having less, doing more

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Walking in, I had no idea what the organisation was or who was presenting the lecture I attended today. I found this week’s “new experience” on Eventbrite advertised as “The Power of True Feelings.” It was free and local and I thought I could use an hour of self-help. It benefits me and the people…

Wild Women on Top (WWOT) is a great organisation that supports adventurous ladies achieve their hiking / trekking goals with the added bonus of a social network. I found this event listed on Eventbrite and thought it would be a good experience best enjoyed with my daughter who is 11. It’s a brilliant way to…

This week I had my kids join me in a “new experience.” It was school term holidays and for some time we had been looking for a way to be of service together as a family. Our kids need to know how lucky they are, how there are many who are not as fortunate, and…

I absolutely adore autumn; the crisp leaves, the smell of a nearby fireplace wafting on the breeze, cool and blustery days. I strongly identify with this time of year as my birthday falls smack in the middle of it. Preparations beginning for Thanksgiving and even Christmas–it’s MY time of year. If you ask my kids…

My heart swells with gratitude and love for the other humans I’ve encountered since I set out on this “year of yes” journey. In some strange way it’s as if I’m surprised each week by the wonderful people I meet. As if I’ve been living underground as a hermit not realising so much kindness is…

Today I visit the St Helen’s Community centre in Glebe not quite sure what to expect in the advertised “relaxed breathing” class. At best I guess it will be a lesson in something like pranayama. I have practised different types of meditative breathing techniques before but I think this is still a “new” experience for…

In week 2 of my pottery class we smooth, shape and prepare our bowls for painting and firing in the kiln. Again, two hours flies by as it takes incredible focus to trim and shape my dishes. Once we receive our instruction on the process it’s all up to me to finish my projects and…

Today I begin my first of three, beginner’s pottery lessons, at Silky Shapes Pottery Studio in Crow’s Nest. When I arrive, there are several ladies finishing up their work and a few others on a sofa chatting, waiting for the next class to start. The room smells strongly of curry and earth. The space is…

It feels like a splurge to be in the city on a Wednesday. I would be performing household tasks like laundry and meal planning but am instead enjoying a cup of peppermint tea in the botanic garden reading a book and waiting for the walk to begin. Bliss. I notice people gathering at the meeting…

Something I love about travel is stepping outside of my comfort zone. I wholeheartedly believe that through discomfort comes growth. Unfortunately, the day-to-day routine gets the better of me. Life feels stagnant. I encourage my kids to say yes to trying new things. They are all so good at it. They are joiners and so…

As we approach two years in Sydney, I am reminded of how far we have come as residents in this strange and wonderful land. We began our time here with annoyances and jokes about all of the differences compared to where we had lived previously. Patience and time are what is required to feel more…

Airline: Jet Star Flight Time: 2.5 hours from Sydney Time Zone: AEST Dates: 4 July – 8 July, 2018 Thank god for good friends. They have your back when you need it the most, they don’t complain and they support you and your attitude when you are down. Just these sorts of friends flew over…